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Rye Barcott        

U.S. Marine Veteran, Social Entrepreneur, Author

Rye Barcott is a veteran and social entrepreneur. While serving as a U.S. Marine, he co-founded the non-governmental organization Carolina For Kibera, which employs a unique model of participatory development to combat cycles of violence and extreme poverty in Kibera, Kenya. His work in healthcare through this organization has provided care to over 40,000 people annually. Barcott's book, "It Happened on the Way to War," was named one of the best non-fiction titles of the year by Reader’s Digest and was acclaimed by figures like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Bono. The book details his journey from the military to global peace-building, emphasizing participatory development and sustainable change led from within communities.

A TED Conferences Fellow, Barcott has honed his skills in public speaking at diverse venues including the Gates Foundation, Mayo Clinic, and corporations such as Amazon and J.P. Morgan. He has delivered talks to over 100 educational institutions and various professional audiences, focusing on leadership, empowerment, personal discovery, and risk-taking. His presentations are highly regarded, praised by a former Governor of North Carolina and professors at both Harvard Business School and Harvard Medical School. His approach to speaking weaves together themes of collaborative leadership and the importance of unlocking the potential of communities to solve global challenges.

Currently, Barcott is also a co-founder of Double Time Capital, an American clean energy investment firm focusing on advancing clean energy initiatives. He continues to serve as the CEO of With Honor, a movement led by veterans aimed at building a cross-partisan coalition of next-generation veterans in the United States Congress to address America's hyper-polarized political landscape. His leadership style, which has been described as a model of authentic leadership relevant across private, public, and nonprofit sectors, demonstrates his ongoing commitment to fostering impactful change and inspiring others to contribute to global solutions.

Speech Topics


Shoot, Move, Communicate

From day one, every boot Marine learns that there are three primary things that any military unit must do well to be successful: shoot, move, communicate. These motions create a useful framework for decision making called the OODA loop. The third leg of the equation is where most breakdowns occur. Communication is the hardest piece to get right, in combat or in peacetime. It is also the skill that often differentiates exceptional groups from average ones. Learn from the successes and failures of some of the most diverse teams imaginable. This talk focuses on practical steps to build trust and communicate more effectively – essential ingredients for enduring organizations and businesses.

The Enemy is Resistance

Resistance is our greatest impediment to change. It's internal and external. Overcoming resistance can result in marvelous things. It changes lives and drives impact. Learn about methods to face resistance from extreme environments. This is a motivational talk designed for individuals, companies, and organizations aspiring to break from the status quo and struggling with how to do it effectively and for the long term.

Spark Change from Within: A “How-To” for the Healthcare Industry

Specifically designed for healthcare professionals, this presentation focuses on applying the model of participatory development to effect better health outcomes at home and abroad. It examines the motivational story of Tabitha Festo, a widowed nurse and mother of three who started a clinic with a grant for $26 in 2000. The Tabitha Clinic is now the base of the largest program the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates in informal settlements worldwide. This motivational talk focuses on the model of participatory development and how effective, sustainable change is led from within communities, not imposed from the top down.

Spark Charge from Within: A Guide for Students

“Many Americans go to the developing world to serve others. A smaller percentage end up being useful,” New York Times columnist David Brooks opined in his column, “The Rugged Altruists.” What differentiates successful social enterprises at home or abroad? As inspiring as it is informative, this presentation reveals the framework of participatory development, focuses on practical lessons learned, and motivates audiences on their own quests to make a difference in the world. Barcott wrote his book It Happened on the Way to War specifically for students and has presented to more than 100 schools during first year reading programs, commencements, and other featured presentations.

Leadership When It Matters Most

How do small teams react effectively under extreme duress? What can we learn from effective teams of committed individuals and apply to ordinary situations where leadership matters? This talk focuses on five lessons from the Marine Corps and humanitarian work peace building in one of the world's largest shanty towns. Barcott guides his audience on how they can more effectively lead and make an impact when the going gets tough.

News


Rye Barcott talk: "It Happened on the Way to War" April 27 — The ...
Rye Barcott will discuss his book "It Happened on the Way to War: A Marine's Path to Peace" which details his co-founding of the ...
Veteran, humanitarian Rye Barcott to speak March 30 | Newsroom ...
Rye Barcott, author of It Happened on the Way to War: A Marine's Path to Peace, will present a lecture titled “Spark Change from Within” at 1 ...

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